📚 The Impact of Brexit on International Student Applications and Visa Policies | 英国脱离欧盟对国际学生申请及签证政策的影响分析
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of higher education and immigration. International students, who form a vital part of UK universities’ cultural and financial fabric, now face a new set of rules regarding applications, tuition fees, and visa requirements. This article examines how Brexit has affected both EU and non-EU international students, analysing policy shifts, application trends, and the broader implications for the UK as a study destination.
英国脱离欧盟（通常称为脱欧）从根本上重塑了高等教育和移民的格局。国际学生作为英国大学文化和经济构成的重要组成部分，如今面临着一套全新的申请、学费以及签证规则。本文旨在分析脱欧对欧盟及非欧盟国际学生的影响，探讨政策变迁、申请趋势以及英国作为留学目的地的更广泛意义。
1. Introduction: Brexit and the Higher Education Landscape | 引言：脱欧与高等教育格局
The end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 marked a decisive break from decades of free movement between the UK and the EU. Universities that had long relied on a steady stream of EU students suddenly found themselves operating in an uncharted environment. The government’s decision to treat EU nationals as international students from the 2021-22 academic year onwards sent ripples through admissions offices across the country.
2020年12月31日脱欧过渡期结束，标志着英国与欧盟之间数十年自由流动的彻底中断。长期依赖稳定欧盟生源的大学，突然发现自己正置身于一片未知的环境。政府决定从2021-22学年起将欧盟国民视为国际学生，这一决定在全国各高校的招生部门中激起了层层涟漪。
Before Brexit, EU students enjoyed the same tuition fee status as UK home students and did not need a visa to study. This privileged position was underpinned by EU law, which prohibited discrimination on grounds of nationality. Once the UK left the single market and customs union, however, these protections evaporated, leaving the government free to design a unified immigration system that treats all foreign students according to a single points-based framework.
脱欧之前，欧盟学生享有与英国本土学生相同的学费身份，且无需签证即可学习。这一特权地位由欧盟法律支撑，该法律禁止基于国籍的歧视。然而，一旦英国退出单一市场和关税同盟，这些保护随之消失，政府得以自由设计一套统一的移民制度，将所有外国学生纳入单一的积分制框架之下。
2. From EU to International: The Shift in Fee Status | 从欧盟到国际生：学费身份的转变
One of the most immediate and tangible impacts of Brexit has been the reclassification of EU students from home-fee payers to international-fee payers. For courses starting in autumn 2021 and beyond, EU learners are no longer eligible for the Home/UK fee rate unless they hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Instead, they face international tuition fees that can be two to three times higher than the home rate, significantly increasing the financial burden of studying in the UK.
脱欧最为直接且实质性的影响之一，便是将欧盟学生从本土学费缴纳者重新归类为国际学费缴纳者。对于2021年秋季及以后开始的课程，除非根据欧盟定居计划拥有定居或预定居身份，欧盟学生不再有资格享受本土/英国学费标准。相反，他们面临国际学生学费，该费用可能比本土学费高出两到三倍，大大加重了在英国求学的经济负担。
This change has been particularly jarring for students from countries like Germany, France, and Italy, where university fees are either low or non-existent. The sudden loss of home-fee status has forced many prospective EU applicants to reconsider their plans, with some turning to alternative destinations such as the Netherlands, Ireland, or Canada, which offer more affordable education and, in some cases, English-taught programmes.
这一变化对来自德国、法国和意大利等国的学生冲击尤为强烈，这些国家的大学学费要么很低，要么全免。本土学费身份的突然丧失迫使许多潜在的欧盟申请者重新考虑计划，其中一些人转向了荷兰、爱尔兰或加拿大等替代目的地，这些地方提供更实惠的教育，有些还设有英语授课项目。
Below is a summary of the fee status changes for EU students:
下表总结了欧盟学生学费身份的变化：
| Category / 类别 | Pre-Brexit (before 2021) / 脱欧前 (2021年前) | Post-Brexit (from 2021-22) / 脱欧后 (2021-22年起) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Status / 学费身份 | Home (same as UK students) / 本土（同英国学生） | International / 国际生 |
| Tuition Fees (approximate undergraduate per year) / 学费（本科每年约） | £9,250 / 约9,250英镑 | £11,000 – £38,000 depending on course / 依课程而定，11,000–38,000英镑 |
| Student Finance Eligibility / 学生贷款资格 | Could access UK student loans / 可申请英国学生贷款 | No access unless settled status / 除非拥有定居身份，否则无法申请 |
3. The End of Freedom of Movement and Its Consequences | 自由流动的终结及其后果
Freedom of movement was a cornerstone of the UK’s EU membership, allowing EU citizens to live, work, and study in any member state without the need for a visa. Brexit removed this right for new arrivals. As a result, EU students wishing to spend a semester abroad or complete a full degree in the UK must now navigate the same immigration procedures as applicants from China, India, Nigeria, or the United States.
自由流动是英国作为欧盟成员国的基石，允许欧盟公民在任何成员国生活、工作和学习，而无需签证。脱欧取消了新入境者的这项权利。因此，希望在海外学习一学期或在英国完成完整学位的欧盟学生，现在必须遵循与中国、印度、尼日利亚或美国申请者相同的移民程序。
The psychological barrier created by this change should not be underestimated. For decades, studying in London or Edinburgh was as simple for a French or Spanish student as moving to a different city within their own country. Today, they must secure a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), prove English proficiency, and satisfy financial requirements – steps that were previously unnecessary and may deter spontaneous or short-term mobility.
这种变化造成的心理障碍不应被低估。几十年来，对法国或西班牙学生而言，在伦敦或爱丁堡学习就像在本国的不同城市搬家一样简单。如今，他们必须获得学习录取确认函（CAS）、证明英语水平并满足资金要求——这些以往并不需要的步骤可能会阻碍自发或短期流动。
Short-term study mobility has been hit particularly hard. Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship education exchange programme, was replaced in the UK by the Turing Scheme, which focuses on outward mobility for UK students rather than facilitating EU students coming to Britain. Consequently, the pipeline of EU exchange students has shrunk considerably, affecting the demographic diversity of many campuses.
短期学习流动受到的冲击尤为严重。欧盟旗舰教育交流项目伊拉斯谟+（Erasmus+）在英国被图灵计划（Turing Scheme）取代，后者侧重于英国学生的外向流动，而非便利欧盟学生来英。因此，欧盟交换生的输送渠道大幅萎缩，影响了许多校园的人口多样性。
4. The New Points-Based Immigration System | 新的积分制移民体系
On 1 January 2021, the UK introduced a single points-based immigration system that applies equally to all nationalities, including EU citizens. This system assigns points for specific requirements: 50 points for a valid CAS, 10 points for meeting financial requirements, and 10 points for English language proficiency, totalling the mandatory 70 points needed to be eligible for a student visa. The system was designed to be transparent and streamlined, but it fundamentally alters the terms under which EU students enter the country.
2021年1月1日，英国引入了一套适用于包括欧盟公民在内的所有国籍的单一积分制移民体系。该系统为特定要求赋分：有效的CAS占50分，满足资金要求占10分，英语水平占10分，总计达到申请学生签证所需必须的70分。该体系旨在透明、简化，但它从根本上改变了欧盟学生入境的条件。
Under the new system, the role of the sponsoring institution becomes even more critical. Universities and colleges act as sponsors, issuing the CAS after confirming an applicant’s unconditional offer and their ability to meet the necessary criteria. The Home Office then verifies that the student meets all points requirements. For EU students accustomed to simply showing a passport or identity card, this represents a paradigm shift towards a more formal, documented, and bureaucratic process.
在新体系下，担保机构的角色变得更加关键。大学和学院作为担保人，在确认申请者获得无条件录取且有能力满足必要标准后，签发CAS。然后，英国内政部核实学生是否满足所有积分要求。对于习惯于仅出示护照或身份证的欧盟学生而言，这代表着向更为正式、有文件记录和官僚化流程的范式转变。
The points-based approach also offers a degree of flexibility. For example, the financial requirement can be met through a range of evidence types, and the English language requirement can be satisfied by a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or by having previously studied in a majority English-speaking country. Nonetheless, the cumulative burden of preparation, documentation, and application fees can be daunting for students who previously enjoyed unfettered access.
积分制方法也提供了一定程度的灵活性。例如，资金要求可通过多种证据类型满足，英语语言要求可通过安全英语语言测试（SELT）或先前在英语为主要语言国家学习经历来满足。然而，准备、文件及申请费用的累积负担，对于此前享有无限制入境权利的学生来说可能令人生畏。
5. The Student Visa Route: A Unified Path for All | 学生签证路径：统一的签证渠道
The Student Visa Route, which replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa, is now the standard immigration pathway for all international learners, including those from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. This visa allows students to come to the UK for full-time study at a licensed student sponsor institution. The application can be made up to six months before the course starts for applications made outside the UK, and up to three months before for those applying from within the UK.
学生签证路径取代了原第四层级（普通）学生签证，现已成为包括欧盟、欧洲经济区和瑞士在内的所有国际学生的标准移民渠道。该签证允许学生在获得执照的学生担保机构进行全日制学习。若在英国境外申请，最早可在课程开始前六个月提交；若在英国境内申请，则可提前三个月提交。
Key requirements for the Student Visa Route include: an unconditional offer of a place on a course, a valid CAS from a licensed sponsor, evidence of sufficient funds to cover course fees and living costs (a minimum of £1,334 per month for courses in London and £1,023 per month for courses outside London, for up to nine months), and proof of English proficiency at the required CEFR level B2 for degree-level study. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS).
学生签证路径的主要要求包括：课程的无条件录取通知书、持牌担保人出具的有效CAS、足够支付学费和生活费的资金证明（伦敦地区课程每月至少1,334英镑，伦敦以外地区每月至少1,023英镑，最多九个月），以及针对学位水平学习达到CEFR B2级别所要求的英语水平证明。申请者还必须缴纳移民健康附加费（IHS），以获得英国国民医疗服务体系（NHS）的使用权。
Processing times for the Student Visa are typically three weeks for applications made outside the UK and eight weeks for those made inside. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has made efforts to digitalise the process, with many applicants now using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to verify their identity instead of attending a visa application centre. However, first-time applicants from the EU must still navigate the online application and attend a biometric appointment, which adds layers of complexity compared to the pre-Brexit regime.
学生签证的审理时间通常为英国境外申请三周，境内申请八周。英国签证与移民局（UKVI）已努力推进流程数字化，许多申请者现在使用“英国移民：身份核验（ID Check）”应用来验证身份，而无需前往签证申请中心。但来自欧盟的首次申请者仍需完成在线申请并参加生物识别预约，这相比于脱欧前的制度增加了几层复杂性。
6. The Graduate Route: A Game-Changer for Post-Study Work | 毕业生签证路径：改变格局的毕业后工作机会
Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate Route is perhaps the most significant post-Brexit carrot for international students. Under this unsponsored route, international graduates who have successfully completed a degree at a UK higher education provider can stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for two years (three years for doctoral graduates). This policy was reinstated after the previous post-study work visa was scrapped in 2012, and it applies equally to EU and non-EU graduates.
2021年7月推出的毕业生签证路径，或许是脱欧后对国际学生最具吸引力的激励措施。在这条无需担保的路径下，成功完成英国高等教育机构学位课程的国际毕业生，可以留在英国工作或寻找工作，为期两年（博士毕业生为三年）。该政策是在2012年原有的毕业后工作签证被取消后重新恢复的，且对欧盟和非欧盟毕业生一视同仁。
The Graduate Route has been instrumental in offsetting the negative impact of fee increases and visa requirements for EU students. By offering a clear pathway to post-study employment, the UK signals that it values the skills and contributions of international graduates. For students from the EU, who previously could work freely without any time restriction, the Graduate Route provides a structured and time-limited opportunity, albeit one that requires formal permission to stay.
毕业生签证路径在抵消欧盟学生学费上涨和签证要求带来的负面影响方面发挥了关键作用。通过提供一条清晰的毕业后就业路径，英国表明其重视国际毕业生的技能和贡献。对于此前可无时限自由工作的欧盟学生而言，毕业生签证路径提供了一个结构性的、有时间限制的机会，尽管这需要正式的居留许可。
It is important to note that the Graduate Visa does not lead directly to settlement, but time spent under this route can be combined with other visa types to count towards indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under the ten-year lawful residence route. Moreover, graduates can switch into skilled work visas if they secure a job at the appropriate skill and salary level, thus creating a seamless transition from study to long-term career in the UK.
需要注意的是，毕业生签证并不能直接通往定居，但在此路径下停留的时间可与其他签证类型合并，通过十年合法居留路径计入申请永久居留（ILR）的时间。此外，如果毕业生获得符合适当技能和薪资水平的工作，还可以转入技术工作签证，从而实现从学习到英国长期职业生涯的无缝过渡。
7. Impact on EU Student Applications: A Sharp Decline | 对欧盟学生申请量的影响：急剧下降
UCAS data paints a stark picture of the immediate fallout. In the 2021 undergraduate application cycle, the number of EU applicants fell by approximately 40% compared to the previous year, dropping from around 49,000 to just over 28,000. This sharp decline marked the lowest level of EU-domiciled applicants for many years and was directly attributed to the end of home-fee status and the introduction of visa requirements.
UCAS的数据描绘了一幅严峻的即时影响图景。在2021年本科申请周期中，欧盟申请者数量与前一年相比下降了约40%，从约49,000人降至略高于28,000人。这一急剧下降标志着多年来欧盟住所申请者的最低水平，其直接原因被归咎于本土学费身份的结束和签证要求的引入。
The decline was particularly pronounced in subjects that traditionally attracted high numbers of EU students, such as business, law, and social sciences. Some universities that had actively recruited from EU member states reported double-digit percentage drops in enrolment from the continent. While the Graduate Route and targeted scholarships have since helped to modestly recover numbers, the pre-Brexit volume of EU applications has not been restored.
传统上吸引大量欧盟学生的学科降幅尤为明显，如商科、法学和社会科学。一些曾积极到欧盟成员国招生的大学报告称，来自欧洲大陆的注册人数出现了两位数百分比的下降。尽管毕业生签证路径和专项奖学金之后帮助略有回升，但脱欧前的欧盟申请量尚未恢复。
The psychological effect of no longer feeling welcome or being treated like a home student cannot be ignored. Surveys among prospective EU students revealed that many perceived the UK as less welcoming and more costly, leading them to explore alternatives in other English-speaking countries or study in their home nations. The UK’s loss has been, to some extent, a gain for universities in the EU, Australia, and Canada.
不再感到受欢迎或无法被当作本土学生对待所造成的心理影响不容忽视。针对潜在欧盟学生的调查显示，许多人认为英国不那么友好且花费更高，导致他们去探索其他英语国家或在本国学习的替代选择。在某种程度上，英国的损失成为了欧盟、澳大利亚和加拿大大学的收益。
8. Impact on Non-EU International Students: Renewed Competitiveness | 对非欧盟国际学生的影响：竞争力回暖
While EU applications plummeted, the UK witnessed a remarkable surge in applications from non-EU countries. In the same UCAS cycle, non-EU international undergraduate applications reached a record high, driven by strong demand from China, India, Nigeria, and Hong Kong. This trend indicates that the UK’s brand as a study destination remains powerful globally, and the new visa policies have even enhanced its competitiveness against other major Anglophone destinations.
在欧盟申请量骤降的同时，英国见证了非欧盟国家申请量的显著激增。在同一UCAS周期中，受中国、印度、尼日利亚和香港强劲需求推动，非欧盟国际本科生申请量创下历史新高。这一趋势表明，英国作为留学目的地的品牌在全球依然强大，而新的签证政策甚至增强了其相较于其他主要英语国家的竞争力。
The Graduate Route, in particular, has been a decisive factor for many non-EU students who previously perceived the UK as offering limited post-study work opportunities. The return of a two-year work window aligns the UK more closely with Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit and Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa, making it once again a top choice for those seeking international work experience alongside a degree.
特别是毕业生签证路径，对许多非欧盟学生而言是一个决定性因素，他们此前认为英国的毕业后工作机会有限。两年工作窗口的回归使英国更接近加拿大的毕业后工作许可和澳大利亚的临时毕业生签证，使其再次成为那些寻求国际工作经验与学位兼得者的首选。
Another factor contributing to the rise in non-EU applications is the simplification of the immigration system. The points-based framework is perceived as more transparent and objective, reducing the uncertainty that previously characterised the Tier 4 regime. Sponsors are clearer about their responsibilities, and the removal of arbitrary caps and complex maintenance fund distinctions has streamlined the process, particularly benefiting students from middle-income families who can demonstrate financial stability more easily.
促发非欧盟申请量上升的另一个因素是移民制度的简化。积分制框架被认为更加透明、客观，减少了此前第四层级制度中所特有的不确定性。担保人更明确其责任，任意上限和复杂生活费资金区分被取消，由此简化了流程，尤其使中产家庭的学生受益，他们可以更轻松地展示财务稳定性。
9. Financial and Healthcare Requirements for All | 资金与医疗附加费全面统一
Under the post-Brexit regime, all international students, including EU nationals, must prove they have enough money to support themselves. This requirement did not apply to EU students before, as they were not subject to immigration control. The financial threshold mirrors that for non-EU students: applicants must show they have held the required funds for a consecutive 28-day period, with the bank statement no older than 31 days before the date of application.
在脱欧后的制度下，包括欧盟国民在内的所有国际学生都必须证明其有足够资金支持自己。此前，由于不受移民管制，这一要求并不适用于欧盟学生。资金门槛与非欧盟学生一致：申请者必须证明他们已在连续28天内持有所需金额，且银行对账单日期不得超过申请日期前31天。
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is another new cost for EU students. As of 2024, the IHS for a student visa is £776 per year of leave granted. Since a typical undergraduate course lasts three or four years, this adds several thousand pounds to the overall cost. The IHS was previously not levied on EU citizens, who could use the NHS on the same basis as residents. Now, paying the surcharge and having access to the NHS becomes a mandatory part of the visa application, ensuring that all international students contribute to the healthcare system.
移民健康附加费（IHS）是欧盟学生面临的另一项新开支。截至2024年，学生签证的IHS为每年获批居留期限776英镑。由于典型本科课程持续三至四年，这又为整体花费增加了数千英镑。IHS此前并不对欧盟公民征收，他们能像居民一样使用NHS。如今，缴纳附加费并接入NHS已成为签证申请的强制性部分，确保所有国际学生都为医疗体系出资。
For students from lower-income backgrounds, these combined financial requirements can be prohibitive. Universities have responded by creating dedicated Brexit scholarships or hardship funds for EU students. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands, which do not impose surcharges or high visa fees, have become more attractive as a result, intensifying competition for internationally mobile students.
对于来自低收入背景的学生来说，这些综合的资金要求可能高得令人却步。各大学的应对措施是为欧盟学生设立专门的脱欧奖学金或困难补助基金。而像德国和荷兰这样不征收附加费或高昂签证费的国家因此变得更具吸引力，加剧了对国际流动学生的竞争。
10. Language and Academic Requirements: A Level Playing Field | 语言与学术要求：公平竞争环境
Brexit established a uniform English language requirement for all non-UK nationals. Previously, EU students did not need to formally prove their English ability, as it was assumed under mutual recognition of qualifications. Now, they must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the required level, unless they come from a majority English-speaking country or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree taught in a majority English-speaking country.
脱欧为所有非英国国民设立了统一的英语语言要求。此前，欧盟学生无需正式证明其英语能力，因为这在学历互认框架下被视为理所当然。而现在，他们必须通过规定级别的安全英语语言测试（SELT），除非来自英语为主要语言国家，或已完成相当于英国学位且在以英语为主要语言国家授课的学历。
Academic qualification recognition has become slightly more bureaucratic. Under EU membership, qualifications from EU countries were automatically recognised for entry to UK higher education. Post-Brexit, UK NARIC (now UK ENIC) evaluates qualifications on a case-by-case basis, although in practice, many European Baccalaureate and Abitur qualifications continue to be widely accepted. The process has not been entirely disrupted, but it does add an additional step of verification for students from less familiar education systems in the EU.
学术资格认可变得稍微更加官僚化。在英国作为欧盟成员国期间，欧盟国家的学历被自动认可用于进入英国高等教育。脱欧后，英国学历认证中心（UK NARIC，现为UK ENIC）需逐案评估学历，不过在实务中，许多欧洲高中毕业文凭（European Baccalaureate）和德国高中毕业考试（Abitur
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